SawStop Model Comparison Observations
General Overview
Ryan and I went to Rockler and Woodcraft to look at the SawStop models
Rockler had Professional saw in stock, Woodcraft had both Professional and Industrial in stock
Neither store can offer us a discount on the saws, SawStop disallows it. However, they did both state that if we gave our members ID cards, they are happy to offer all our members a 10% discount on all stuff store wide except power tools and a few specific brands (SawStop, Festool, Laguna, etc.)
Both stores can accommodate a text exempt purchase, just requires filling out a form.
Lead times are 2-4 weeks
Photos of the two saw models can be seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gBWe23puyLAdR3en7
Model and Feature Comparisons
Saw Table Top
Both models have heavy cast iron tops
Industrial saw table is significantly thicker/heavier
Both are the same width, but the Industrial saw is 3” deeper (front to back). While this doesn’t sound like a lot, when standing at the saw, it definitely feels significant. The deeper table would offer significant additional stability for things like crosscut sleds. However, if we build a proper outfeed table, that can be adjusted to be flush and level with the saw surface, and route miter slot extensions into it, this difference becomes less important.
Fence Systems
The fence that comes standard with the Professional saw is very flimsy/cheap feeling. It can be upgraded to a nicer fence system (that they call the “T-Glide” fence). I would consider this upgrade necessary.
The Industrial saw comes with the nicer “T-Glide” fence standard.
The “T-Glide” fences for the professional saw and industrial saw are constructed the same, and are both high quality, but they are not the exact same. The industrial saw’s fence is significantly longer (even more so than the extra table depth I believe). A longer fence offers significant improvements in cut accuracy, stability, and safety.
Side Table Size (and fence travel)
Both saws are available with side table options that allow either 36” or 52” rip width. I would advise we only consider the 52”, as the 36” would be a significant limitation below what our current saw can do.
Saw Base
The industrial saw has a rather large access panel “box” on the right side of the saw cabinet. As far as we could tell, it serves no purpose, as it was completely empty. It’s possible that the larger size motor options require that space.
The blade tilt control is in different places on each saw. The professional saw has it on the right side of the saw cabinet (under the side table, like our current saw). The industrial saw has it on the left side, so it’s much easier to access (since there isn't a table overhanging it on that side). This difference was unexpected, it would definitely be nice to not have to crawl under the side table to tilt the blade.
Riving Knife, blade guard, and table insert
These features are the same on both saws, but the following observations felt worth mentioning
The riving knife and blade guard has a tooless connection to the saw that is VERY easy to use, it’s a matter of seconds to fremove/replace the riving knife as needed for different cuts. This is a huge benefit, as this was why our current saw’s splitter got… disappeared.
The splitter that comes with the saw is one that has the blade guard and anti-kickback pawl assembly mounts built into it. The floating overarm dust collection guard comes with the low profile shark fin style riving knife.
The table inserts are very easy to install and remove, they have a little latch handle that pulls up to release, but keeps it down tight and flush when locked. This is nice, as it ensures you don’t have your work hang up on the insert like sometimes happens on our current saw, BUT it does mean that it’s not as easy to make additional inserts from scrap laying around (and the inserts are $50 each). The table inserts also do have a slight quirk we will have to warn people about, they have a “hook” on the back side that locks it down into the table, and it’s very easy to not get it in it’s correct position when inserting it. It’s a simple small thing, but could be unsafe if missed.
Dust collection
The dust collection for the base cabinets is essentially the same between the two models
Both models have optional blade guard dust collection accessories. There is an overarm dust collector that is essentially a duct and hose that connects to the splitter-mounted blade guard, and then there is an floating dust collection guard that attaches to the edge of the table and can be raised and lowered as needed. The basic one cannot be used for any cuts that would require the blade guard or anti-kickback pawls to be removed (for example, cutting using the crosscut sled). However, the floating dust collection guard is much more versatile, since it has no connection to the middle of the table or the riving knife/blade guard. I would highly recommend we opt for the floating dust collection guard option. I must note however, that neither store had the floating dust collection guard on display.
Both models have a 4” dust collection port on the back of the saw body, and the floating dust collection guard has a 4” port.
Conclusions
Accessories/Upgrades
The 52” Side table and “T-Glide” fence upgrades are essential, the smaller side table is just too small, and the basic fence that comes with the Professional model is crap
The overarm dust collection hose that connects to the blade guard seems like it would get in the way of most cuts, I would highly recommend the floating dust collector guard instead, as it can be used with things like sleds, and swung out of the way easily for operations that cannot use it.
Model Comparison
Both the Professional and the Industrial saw appear to be high quality machines. The Industrial saw IS noticeably higher quality and built beefier than the professional saw, though it is hard to describe or quantify the difference.
The industrial saw’s tilt control on the left side of the saw would be noticeably easier to use
The industrial saw’s T-Glide Fence is significantly longer than the T-Glide fence for the Professional saw, and the longer fence would be a very nice thing to have for safety and accuracy of cuts
The extra depth of the industrial table is significant, and would be nice, but isn’t critical so long as we build a nice outfeed table.
Bottom line: If the price difference between the models was something like $400, the differences noted above would absolutely be worth it. However, the total cost difference for the two saw models, when you include the necessary upgrades to make them comparable (3HP motor, T-Glide Fence, 52” Side Table, etc), the price difference ends up being $1000. I do not believe the features listed above justify the premium for the Industrial model.
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